Belle Voci postpones Motown concert amid pandemic concerns

Third time’s a charm for the multi-generational women’s choir Belle Voci, which has postponed it special Motown concert until the 2022-23 season.

“Diamond Memories: Celebrating 60 Years of Motown” had been twice-postponed, with the much-hyped event scheduled first in March and most recently penciled in for October.

“Although pandemic limitations have been lifted for the population in general, the arts community is still deeply immersed in making all possible efforts to alleviate and accommodate audience concerns,” Marketing and Communications Director Pamela Bruchwalski said.

Demand for in-person events is on the rise but the conditions under which audiences would feel comfortable vary greatly, she said.

“Venues — East Liberty Presbyterian Church in the case of our Motown concert — are also dealing with matters of when and how to best address audience and performance ensemble concerns,” Bruchwalski said.

In addition, the featured band, Horizon, is no longer performing together. Belle Voci is searching for a replacement.

A concert date has yet to be finalized.

Singer Jenna Bowman said the Motown event will leave audience members clapping and singing along.

“It will transport you back in time,” she said.

Popular hits will be featured from Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson Five and more.

Belle Voci was founded in 2012 by O’Hara resident Craig Cannon, who previously served as the Choral Director at Fox Chapel Area School District. Members perform an eclectic repertoire from classical to pop in a series of annual concerts.

“We are committed to producing exceptional music events,” Bruchwalski said.

When the Motown concert happens, it will be well worth the wait, she said.

“Belle Voci is working with Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and RAD, gratefully absorbing the studies and information they have collected, along with our own, to make safe, informed decisions about when and where to return to safe singing and performing,” she said.

“When we present this concert, we want it to be everything we’d hoped for when it was scheduled for March 2020.”